I have many goals for 2012. Personal goals. Character goals. Fitness goals. Family goals. Ministry goals. Organizational goals. Friendship goals.

Though I have numerous goals for the new year, I really only have ONE resolution. And if I do this one thing, my life’s goals will have greater meaning, transcending value, and longevity of influence than I could ever imagine. My firm resolve for 2012 can be summed up in this life “resolution” made by a man many years ago who found his life’s greatest purpose not in what he could gain, but in what he intended to lose:

Many people rush into the new year with lofty ambitions and new year’s resolutions without properly evaluating, and learning from, the past year’s experiences. When we don’t intentionally unpack our previous season, we aren’t fully prepared to grow into the new season life affords us. With that in mind, I want to share with you some questions of introspection I like to use at the end of every year. I believe that when we deal with these questions in a very purposeful way, we are best equipped to set new goals and clothe ourselves with the right approach to enter the new year with determined resolve and clean spirits.

Channel 12 news piece on the terminally ill man who collected and fixed up bikes to give away to kids during Breakaway’s Christmas outreach to under-served neighborhoods.

The top ten best books I’ve read in 2011 on life, leadership, and faith:

1. Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand

2. The Cause Within You – Matthew Barnett

3. Beautiful Outlaw – John Eldredge

4. The Score Takes Care of Itself – Bill Walsh

5. Keep On Pushing - Devon Harris

6. Forgotten God – Francis Chan

7. The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork – John C. Maxwell

8. A Resilient Life – Gordon MacDonald

9. Weird – Craig Groeschel

10. We Die Alone – Dave Howarth